Entry From
FZ, Vol 7, Part 1, page 3, (1983) Author: R. Fernandes
Names
Crassula nodulosa forma rhodesica R. Fernandes [family CRASSULACEAE], in Bol. Soc. Brot., Sér. 2, 52: 189, t. 8, t. 10 fig. et t. 12 fig. i-o (1978). TAB. 5 fig. B. Type: Zimbabwe, between Lundi and Tokwe, Pole Evans 19 (PRE). Also cultivated in Gardens of the Division of Pl. Industry, Union Dep. Agr., Pretoria, Nat. Herb. 14707 (K; PRE; also photos).
Crassula rhodesica Mogg [family CRASSULACEAE], in sched., nom. nud.
Crassula albanensis Schönl. [family CRASSULACEAE], in Rec. Albany Mus. 1: 55 (1903); loc. cit. (1929). Type from S. Africa (Cape Prov.).
Distribution
Zimbabwe S Chibi, Nyoni Mts., S. slopes, ± 1000 m., 20.iv.1967, T. Müller 610 (K; SRGH).Zimbabwe E Odzi, c. 1120 m., bank of dry stream in shade, 29.v.1936, Eyles 8562 (K).Zimbabwe C Macheke, c. 1600 m., xii.1919, Eyles 2019 (K; SRGH).
Notes
Apart from its lanceolate, attenuate and acute leaves, this form often has more slender, shorter stems than forma nodulosa, and smaller flowers (calyx usually not more than 2-5 mm. and anthers slightly less than 0-5 mm. long). The verticillasters are also less dense and smaller in diameter than in the type form and most specimens of var. longisepala. As far as can be ascertained by herbarium specimens this form is the only one of C. nodulosa present in certain regions (Ruwa, Rusape, Odzi, Victoria, Chibi). But in Marandellas, var. longisepala is also found. The type of C. albanensis is rather similar to forma rhodesica. It differs mainly in the indumentum which consists of very short bulliform papillae. The same kind of indumentum is found sometimes in typical C. nodulosa (e.g. in the type of C. guchabensis) and in var. longisepala.